Papar’s Carol Abbey Gail crowned as Unduk Ngadau 2023 winner

Carol Abbey Gail from Papar was crowned the Unduk Ngadau 2023 winner during the culmination of the Kaamatan celebration at Hongkod Koisaan KDCA in Penampang on Wednesday night.

KOTA KINABALU: Carol Abbey Gail Grimaldi representing Papar district was crowned the Unduk Ngadau state-level winner for 2023.

Besides the crown, the University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) graduate brought home RM12,000, a trophy and gifts from various sponsors during the culmination of the harvest beauty pageant in conjunction of the Kaamatan celebration at Hongkod Koisaan building, KDCA in Penampang on Wednesday (May 31).

The 24-year-old beauty queen recently completed her bachelor’s degree studies in economics and aspires to have a career where she can contribute to the community and the country, and listed her hobbies as cooking, hiking, and playing traditional musical instruments like the kulintangan and gong.

Her runner-up was Kota Marudu’s Calby Floresa Dolinting, who bagged RM10,000 prize money, a trophy and gifts from various sponsors.

The third-place winner was from Tambunan, Clerice Olvia Augustine @ Justin, who won RM8,000, as well as a trophy and gifts from various sponsors.

Yang di-Pertua Negeri’s wife Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni accompanied by the Chief Minister’s wife Datuk Seri Juliah Salag, presented the top three prizes on stage.

Fifty UN contestants representing various districts of Sabah as well as from Peninsular states like Perak, Melaka and Johor had vied for the top spots this year.